England World Cup hopeful Fraser Forster can clean up against Ajax

Going Dutch: Forster can go a long way towards winning a World Cup place on Wednesday (Image: Stu Forster)

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Neil Lennon has backed Fraser Forster to prove again why he should be in England’s World Cup plans, writes Keith Jackson in Amsterdam.

Celtic keeper Forster knows another strong performance here against Ajax in Wednesday's Champions League group match could propel him into top spot for Roy Hodgson’s Three Lions with the World Cup in Brazil just around the corner.

Lennon has urged the big Geordie to concentrate on the job in hand though, saying: “Three years ago, there is no way you would have envisaged Fraser in the England squad.

“But he has just improved year in and year out. He will be a crucial player for us against Ajax.

“It’s a big one for him but I don’t think it’s a make-or-break game and I have said this to him already. I said, ‘You have just got to stay in the moment now’.

“Just keep his form going at this level and I can’t see him not being picked for one of the friendlies coming up. I think he deserves the opportunity and regardless of Joe’s form, I think Roy has intimated Fraser will get a chance.

“But I don’t think the England ­situation is on Fraser’s mind right now. I think he is really in a good place. I have said before I don’t want this to be a short-term thing for him.

“I want it to be a long-term thing for five, six, seven years of him being England’s No.1 or No.2.

“Joe played very well for Roy throughout the whole World Cup qualification tournament and you need to show a bit of loyalty to your No.1, no matter if they have a rocky period or not.

“But Roy did intimate before the two group games he may look at Fraser for the friendlies against Chile and Germany. That’s for the future.

“Right now, I need him at his best and he seems to thrive in this ­environment.”